Print

Simple Ground Turkey Lentil Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 74 reviews

This Simple Ground Turkey Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal combining lean ground turkey, protein-rich lentils, and a medley of vegetables and warm spices. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Protein and Legumes

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup lentils (rinsed and sorted for stones)

Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced

Liquids and Canned Goods

  • 8.5 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)

Oils and Spices

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 0.75 tsp coriander
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mise en Place: Rinse and sort the lentils to remove any stones or debris. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion evenly. Freshly mince the garlic cloves. Have all spices measured and ready for quick use.
  2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground turkey and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until mostly cooked through and no large clumps remain.
  3. Build the Flavor Base with Aromatics and Spices: Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the cooked turkey and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant to bloom the spices and deepen flavors.
  4. Combine Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and broth. Stir well. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer Until Lentils Are Tender: Let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lentils should be tender and beginning to break down, which thickens the soup. Check at 30 minutes and cook a bit longer if lentils are still firm.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, considering the broth’s saltiness. Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup improves in flavor when reheated the next day, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Notes

  • Rinsing and sorting lentils carefully prevents any unwanted grit in the soup.
  • Breaking up the ground turkey ensures even distribution and better texture.
  • Blooming spices in oil enhances their aroma and flavor complexity.
  • Simmering lentils just until tender prevents mushiness while thickening the soup naturally.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually since broth already contains salt.
  • This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/simple-ground-turkey-lentil-soup-recipe/